ForestXplorer

Accessibility at Birches Valley

The Forestry Commission tries to offer quality woodland access to the widest range of visitors as possible.

Birches Valley Visitors Centre has three sections of designated disabled parking spaces available, one located near to the Café and Toilets, one located near the play area and Route to Health and the other located near Go Ape and Swinnerton Cycles. Car parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.

There is a unisex accessible toilet available located in the main toilet block near the café.

The Route to Health is a 1 mile community arts walk which is reasonably flat and although not specifically surfaced for wheelchairs is generally accessible, however it may become unsuitable in wet weather. The Route to Health has frequent rest stops so is also accessible to those with limited mobility.

The Fairoak Trail is a 2.5 mile multi use circular route around Fairoak pools and valley. It is a relatively flat route but has moderate slopes and uneven ground in places with loose stone and a ford crossing. There are benches positioned around the pools.

Some mobility scooters are more suited to urban environments and may struggle in our forest. We do not recommend the use of smaller three wheeled personal mobility vehicles, as these can be particularly unstable on uneven ground.

Other paths throughout the forest will become muddy and wet and may not be suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or people with limited mobility. They will also have some steeper gradients.

If you require more information please contact us by email or by phone 01889 586593.